Pages

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

I Didn't Even Bake the Cookies

This Blog is updated each Tuesday.

If you could do anything with your life, what would it be? I challenge you this week to turn off your t.v., computer, or other distraction and do one thing you always say you'd like to do. Read. Write. Paint. Laugh. Don't find yourself saying "I wish I had made time to do that" when your life is coming to an end. Do the thing now. Raise the bar for your own life. Better yet, set the bar down and do some dancing.

If I could do anything, I would do much of what I am doing now. I think I'd like to quit trying so hard for things to be done and just enjoy life. I would like to lay aside lists and "to do." I would like to curl up on the couch more at the coffee shop and enjoy someone's company.

The other day I was out on my parent's property. I sat on the swing under a big oak tree just breathing. I realized I need to do that more. My dad has a small dry erase board on his fridge (Ice Box to my southern friends). On it, he had his to do list. It had two simple words on it. "Bake cookies." I decided to have a day like that last week. It was a blessing for me. I actually even marked out "bake cookies." I just enjoyed the day of nothing. I highly recommend it.

Our week was marked by a profound miracle. I wish I could tell you all about it, but I have promised not to. God answered a prayer of mine that I have been petitioning Him for 2 1/2 years. He did it in such a way that I have no room to doubt that it was Him. Maybe someday I can share. Just praise Him with me! At the end of my miracle, I was blessed to give away my car. I never thought that would be possible. God allows us to do things that we are far too selfish to do if left to ourselves.

My husband spent a few days at a leadership conference in Dallas. He got to see Voddie and talk with him....and bring me home his new book, "Family Driven Faith." I can't wait to dig into it! Denbigh stayed at Al Denson's ranch. He says it was one of the most amazing places! I can't wait for my turn to go.

On Sunday, we went to church with my mom and heard Brother Roy give a word about being a Barnabas..an encourager. They called this man Barnabas because he was so encouraging. I thought that I'd like to be conformed to Christ so much so that people say my given name just won't do. I am praying toward that end. On a sidebar, I am dealing with some negative people in my life and I have no idea how to handle it. Is your anger righteous if someone's negativity is effecting your husband...when all you do is pray for and try to build him up? I found this book called Living With Eeyore. It is a Christian book on how to deal with negative people. I just ordered it. I will let you know how it plays out.

Laomai's Update: She is currently chewing on the backside of a purple lamb.

Find out more about Stephanie

In 2008, my husband and I sold our quaint house in the white picket fence suburbs and bought a one hundred year old, three story Antebellum style mansion in a run down area that needed to be restored. The house, while being our home, is used to offer free respite to people needing to be refreshed in their love for Jesus. We focus mainly on pastors, missionaries, and alcoholics. We like to think of ourselves as the L'Abri of the South. Beyond that, I am the wife of a worship pastor, a homeschool mom, and a huge enthusiast of culinary exploits and literature. I am learning God's grace through the spirit of hospitality.